Five people injured in two-car accident

MIDDLETOWN - A two-car accident in the northbound lanes of Interstate 75, just south of town, sent five people to the hospital Saturday afternoon. None of the accident victims' names was released.

An Ohio State Highway Patrol dispatcher said the accident happened about 1 p.m., between mile markers 31 and 32.

The driver of a Chevrolet pickup truck pulled onto the highway's emergency lane and was arranging the load in the bed when the driver of a 2000 Chevrolet van drifted into the emergency lane and hit the truck.

The dispatcher said all five victims were transported to Middletown Hospital. Their conditions were not available.

Firefighter injures ankle at house fire

NORTH AVONDALE - A house fire Saturday damaged a basement and first floor and left a firefighter injured.

Cincinnati District 3 Fire Chief Glenn Coleman said a firefighter's ankle was dislocated when a firetruck pulled forward, running over his foot.

Coleman did not release the name of the firefighter, who was taken to University Hospital.

Coleman said firefighters were called to the brick house in the 200 block of East Mitchell Avenue about 5:30 p.m. He did not provide a damage estimate or cause.

Woman bitten while petting caged lion

CHILLICOTHE - A woman bitten by one of two lions kept in cages at her father's house was in fair condition at a Columbus hospital, authorities said.

Lisa Peters, 33, had reached in to pet the female lion about 6:30 p.m. Friday, said Lt. Dennis McKeever of the Ross County Sheriff's Office.

Officials said her father, Charles Peters, lives next door and has a permit for the lions, one male and one female.

The lion apparently became angry and bit Peters' right arm. McKeever said Charles Peters had to shoot and kill the animal to free his daughter. She was flown to Ohio State University Medical Center.